Stellies struggle to breakdown solid Usuthu

Stellenbosch were unable to find the breakthrough they needed against AmaZulu in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday evening, as the two sides played to a goalless draw at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Going into the match with the intention to win to keep their CAF Champions League hopes alive, it was not to be as the away team put up an impressive defensive display.

The first half was one-way traffic as Stellies gave it their all in the attack.

Usuthu had a chance in the 32nd minute through Augustine Mulenga’s curling effort into the goal but it was off target after he received a cross from Tshepang Moremi.

The sides went into the break all square.

The second half was much more intense as AmaZulu showed a bit more strength in front but none of their efforts posed much of a challenge.

The Maroons’ top-scorer, Iqraam Rayners, had a few opportunities to open the scoring, but an in-form Veli Mothwa did well to keep him out of his goal.

The 78th minute also saw Devin Titus come close to making a breakthrough, but Mothwa was on high alert, along with Ramahlwe Mphahlele in the defence.

The match ended goalless with a share of the spoils in the Western Cape.

The result puts more pressure on Stellies as Orlando Pirates are now only one point behind them following their victory against Chippa United in the race for second place in the DStv Premiership.

The points are shared 😤

Stellenbosch FC ⓪-⓪ AmaZulu pic.twitter.com/gpxAVIOsmB

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 8, 2024

Stellenbosch (0) 0

AmaZulu (0) 0

Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, D. Van Rooyen, T. Moloisane, I. Toure, F. Basadien, S. Nduli (M. Boji 88’), J. Adams, D. Titus, A. De Jong (G. Palace 74’), A. Oura (A. Van Wyk 67’), I. Rayners

AmaZulu: V. Mothwa, R. Hanamub, M. Gumede, R. Mphahlele, W. Jooste, E. Brooks (G. Maluleka 76’), B. Motshwari, T. Moremi (H. Ekstein 46’), M. Mbanjwa, A. Mulenga, S. Dion (V. Letsoalo 68’)